Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ukraine Negotiations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Administration says negotiations aim to end costly war in Ukraine; senators press on sanctions and military assistance
Summary
Secretary Rubio said the administration is pursuing diplomatic contacts aimed at an enduring settlement in Ukraine while keeping sanctions in place; senators debated whether increased pressure or continued dialogue is likelier to bring Russia to the table and asked about supplemental U.S. assistance.
Secretary Rubio told senators that, in his view, the conflict in Ukraine cannot be resolved by military means and must end through negotiation. He described an effort to keep channels open with both Kyiv and Moscow to encourage a durable settlement while maintaining existing sanctions.
“Every single sanction — not one sanction — has been lifted on the Russians,” Rubio said, adding that sanctions and allied pressure remain in place. He also said the administration is coordinating with European partners and NATO allies on defense assistance and exploring transfers from allied inventories where the United States lacks immediate spare systems.
Senators repeatedly pressed Rubio on whether the administration would support a sanctions bill led by Senator Lindsey Graham and others and on whether the United States would seek additional supplemental funding for Ukraine. Rubio said decisions about a supplemental request are White House determinations but noted that existing appropriated aid is ongoing.
Lawmakers also raised the speed at which munitions are being expended and the broader strategic linkages between the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific, arguing that U.S. focus and resources are stretched. Rubio warned that prolonged engagements in Europe constrain attention and resources for other theaters such as the Indo-Pacific.
